Lancaster University Council today voted to set its fee level at £9000 for the 2012/13 academic year.
The vote was passed almost unanimously by the University’s trustees. Only LUSU President Robbie Pickles and the student representative on the Council, Mark Lord voted against the rise. Both have said they did so on principle against the rise in fees.
The fee increase will not impact on current students and new students will not have to pay the fee upfront. The new level applies to Home and EU undergraduate students.
Pickles said: “Clearly we are opposed to all unnecessary fee rises and will always seek to fight for improvements to the Higher Education system which make the admissions process fairer for all. However, in the short term, we need to pragmatic and be sure to create the best deal for students who, whether we like it or not, will have to pay increased fees.
“We will, however, continue to work with students, the NUS and the Government to seek new alternatives which mean that, in the long term, students will never again have to face such unnecessary high levels of debt.”
Lancaster University Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings said: “The fee level approved by Council today reflects Lancaster’s teaching and research standing and will allow the University to build on the high level of education and the collegiate University experience that we currently offer our students.
“We want to ensure that the student experience is outstanding and that academic resources are directed towards making sure that our students leave with qualifications suited to a globally competitive environment.
“We intend to offer a generous and flexible package of financial support to attract and retain the most able students no matter what their circumstances.”
The University’s decision now has to be approved by the Office for Fair Access for it to be implemented.
